Arm apparatus for mounting electronic devices with cable management system

ABSTRACT

An adjustable extension arm for mounting an electronic device includes interconnected members which are rotatable or pivotable relative to each other. The interconnected members provide a cable pathway through which a cable for the electronic device may extend for protecting and/or obscuring the cable from view.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/406,006 filed Sep. 24, 1999, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/138,120 filed on Jun. 7, 1999; andU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/191,266 filed on Mar. 22, 2000, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates in general to an arm apparatus formounting electronic devices, and more specifically, to an extension armhaving a system for internally managing the cables to and from theelectronic device.

[0003] Adjustable extension arms for mounting electronic peripheraldevices, such as computer monitors, notebook computers, Internetcomputers, VCR's, cameras, computer keyboards, televisions, otherelectronic devices and the like, are well known in the prior art. Forexample, there is known from O'Neill, U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,842; Greene,U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,596; and Voeller, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,503various mechanical support arms. By way of one example, due to recentadvances in flat-screen technology, there is a demand for adjustableextension arms that are particularly suited for use with flat-screendevices, such as flat-screen computer monitors and televisions.

[0004] To this end, FIGS. 1-7 disclose an extension arm 10 for mountinga peripheral device in accordance with the prior art. As shown in FIG.1, the main elements of the extension arm 10 are a first endcap 12, anupper channel 14, a lower channel 16, a second endcap 18, and a forearmextension 20. The first endcap 12 has an endcap shaft 22 that ispivotably attachable to a rigid support mount (not shown), such as anorifice sized to accept the endcap shaft 22 or a track configured andsized to engage the grooves on endcap shaft 22. The first endcap 12 ispivotably coupled via pins 24 to both the upper channel 14 and the lowerchannel 16. The opposite ends of the upper channel 14 and the lowerchannel 16 are pivotably coupled via pins 24 to the second endcap 18.The second endcap 18 is coupled to the forearm extension 20 via aforearm extension pin 92. The forearm extension 20 has a verticallydisposed hole 26 therethrough for accepting a device mount (not shown)such as a tilter, platform or other apparatus.

[0005] The combination of the upper and the lower channels 14, 1.6 andthe first and the second endcaps 12, 18 form an adjustable parallelogramthat permits a device coupled to the forearm extension 20 to be raisedand lowered to a desirable height. The parallelogram retains itsposition by employing a gas spring 28, which is pivotably and adjustablyattached to the first endcap 12 and the upper channel 14, as will befurther described below. Generally, the gas spring 28, e.g., a gas typehydraulic cylinder and a retractable piston rod, is sized so as to havea fixed length until an upward or downward force is exerted at thesecond endcap 18 that exceeds the gas spring's designed resistance.Thus, the gas spring 28 causes the parallelogram to retain its positionwhen the only force exerted at the second endcap 18 is the weight of thedevice, but permits the parallelogram to be adjusted when a user pushesthe device coupled to the forearm extension 20 up or down.

[0006]FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the first endcap 12, having theendcap shaft 22 disposed on a first end 30 of the first endcap 12. Toprovide a rigid connection between the two pieces, the endcap shaft 22is typically machined from steel and is inserted into the first end 30during the casting process of the first endcap 12. The endcap shaft 22has a hole 32 formed in an end of the endcap shaft 22 that is insertedinto the first endcap 12. The first endcap 12 is typically fabricatedfrom cast aluminum. The first endcap 12 also has a second end 34 havinga hole 36 disposed therethrough. Disposed within the first endcap 12 isa threaded rod 38. A first end 40 of the threaded rod 38 is insertedinto the hole 32 at the base of the endcap shaft 22. A second end 42 ofthe threaded rod 38 is aligned with the hole 36 and is held in place bya clip 44. The clip 44 is fastened to an inner surface of the firstendcap 12 by screws 46.

[0007] Threadedly mounted on the threaded rod 38 is a clevis 48. FIG. 3illustrates a sideview of the clevis 48 including a tapped hole 50 inthe center thereof. The tapped hole 50 receives the threaded rod 38, asshown in FIG. 2. At a first end of the clevis 48 is a pair of fasteningmembers 52, 54 to which are fastened one end of the gas spring 28. Asecond end 56 of the clevis 48 is configured to slidably engage a track58 which is integrally molded in the first endcap 12 (see FIG. 2). Thesecond end 42 of the threaded rod 38 is configured to be engaged by ahex-shaped key which is inserted through the hole 36 when the second end42 is properly aligned with the hole 36. The hex-shaped key is employedso as to rotate the threaded rod 38 along its axis of rotation. When thethreaded rod 38 is rotated along its axis of rotation, the clevis 48moves along the length of the threaded rod 38 in a direction thatcorresponds to the direction which the hex-shaped key is turned. Thismovement of the clevis 48 permits the gas spring 28 to be adjusted.

[0008] FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate the upper channel 14, whichcomprises channel bottom 60 from which extend two channel sidewalls 62.Channel bottom 60 and sidewalls 62 are typically stamped from 13 gaugesteel sheet in order to give the upper channel 14 a desired degree ofstructural rigidity. At each of the ends of the channel bottom 60, asemi-circular region 64 of the sidewalls 62 is cut out to accommodatecold-rolled steel rollers 66, which have a hole 68 therethrough forreceiving the pins 24. The rollers 66 are rigidly attached to the upperchannel 14 by MIG welding along the edge of the semi-circular cut outregion 64 and along the ends of the channel bottom 60.

[0009] Additionally, the upper channel 14 comprises stiffener 70, whichis welded to an inner surface of the channel bottom 60. Besidesproviding additional structural rigidity to the upper channel 14, thestiffener 70 has a hole disposed at one end with a threaded ball stud 72placed within the hole and fixed in place by a nut 74. The ball stud 72is configured and sized to receive one end of the gas spring 28. Thelongitudinal centerline 76 of the upper channel 14 is illustrated inFIG. 4(b).

[0010] FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) illustrate the lower channel 16 whichcomprises a channel bottom 78 from which extend two channel sidewalls80. As with the upper channel 14, the channel bottom 78 and sidewalls 80are typically stamped from 13 gauge steel sheet, which is relativelyheavy in order to give the lower channel 16 a desired degree ofstructural rigidity. At opposite ends of the channel bottom 78, asemi-circular region 82 of the sidewalls 80 is cut out to accommodatecold-rolled steel rollers 84, which have a hole 86 therethrough forreceiving the pins 24. The rollers 84 are rigidly attached to the lowerchannel 16 by MIG welding along the edge of the semi-circular cut outregion 82 and along the ends of the channel bottom 78. The longitudinalcenterline 88 of the lower channel 16 is illustrated on FIG. 5(b).

[0011]FIG. 6 illustrates the second endcap 18. Unlike the first endcap12, the second endcap 18 does not have an endcap shaft, nor does it havea clevis assembly for attachment to the gas spring 28. Instead, thesecond endcap 18 has a hole 90 disposed in a bottom end for receivingthe forearm extension pin 92, and a hole 94 in a side for inserting apin 96 into the forearm extension pin 92, as illustrated in FIG.

[0012]FIG. 7 illustrates the forearm extension 20 having the forearmextension pin 92 welded thereto. The forearm extension pin 92 has a hole98 formed in an upper end to receive the pin 96. The forearm extension20 is configured to be pivoted around the forearm extension pin 92, andis held in place within the second endcap 18 by the pin 96 whichpenetrates the hole 94 of the second endcap 18 and the hole 98 of theforearm extension pin 92.

[0013] Extension arms 10 of the prior art, such as the one shown inFIGS. 1-7 and others like it, are ill-suited, for example, forflat-screen monitors and televisions, in that they are bulky andcumbersome. Moreover, due to the configuration of its various parts,extension arms 10 of the prior art cannot be flattened against amounting surface so that the entire extension arm 10 is hidden behindthe electronic device when the device is substantially flush with themounting surface. Furthermore, the extension arms 10 of the prior artare not designed so as to enable the cables to and from a device to besubstantially hidden, and thus protected, within the extension arm 10itself. Additionally, the extension arms 10 of the prior art aregenerally costly to manufacture and difficult to assemble.

[0014] Thus, there is a continued need for an extension arm suitable tomount an electronic device that enables the cables to and from theelectronic device to be substantially hidden from view within theextension arm and thus protected from the elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment, relatesto an extension arm suitable for mounting an electronic device, such asa computer monitor, notebook computers, Internet computers, VCR's,cameras, computer keyboards, televisions, other electronic devices andthe like.

[0016] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention thereis described an adjustable extension arm for mounting an electronicdevice thereto, the extension arm comprising a forearm extension havinga first end and a second end for attachment of a device thereto, theforearm extension having a first opening at the first end and a secondopening adjacent the second end, the first and second openings incommunication with each other through a channel provided within theforearm extension between the first and second ends, a first endcaphaving a first end rotationally attached to the first end of the forearmextension, the first endcap having an opening extending therethrough incommunication with the first opening within the forearm extension, asecond endcap having a first end attachable to a support structure, andelongated first and second channel members nested together to form achannel therebetween, the first and second channel members having firstends pivotably attached to the first endcap and second ends pivotablyattached to the second endcap.

[0017] In accordance with another embodiment of the present inventionthere is described an adjustable extension arm for mounting anelectronic device thereto, the extension arm comprising a forearmextension having an internal elongated channel opening upward andextending between first and second ends of the forearm extension, adevice mounting assembly for mounting an electronic device to the secondend of the forearm extension, a first endcap having a first end to whichthe first end of the forearm extension is rotationally mounted, thefirst endcap including an opening extending therethrough incommunication with the internal elongated channel within the forearmextension, a second endcap attachable to a support structure, a nestedpair of elongated members forming an internal elongated channel therein,one common end of the elongated members pivotably attached to the firstendcap and another common end of the elongated members pivotablyattached to the second endcap, wherein the extension arm has a cablepathway through the opening extending through the first endcap and theinternal elongated channel within the forearm extension.

[0018] In accordance with another embodiment of the present inventionthere is described an adjustable extension arm for mounting anelectronic device thereto, the extension arm comprising a forearmextension having a first end and a second end for attachment of anelectronic device thereto, the first end having a through hole connectedto the second end by a U-shaped member having a bottom wall and a pairof spaced apart sidewalls, the U-shaped member forming an elongatedfirst channel in communication with the through hole, a cover releasablyattachable to the forearm extension overlying the through hole and aportion of the U-shaped member for enclosing the elongated firstchannel, at least one opening in the forearm extension in either thebottom wall adjacent the second end or between the second end and aportion of the cover; a first endcap including a first end and a secondend having a through hole extending between the first and second ends; atubular member received within the through hole within the first endcaphaving an interior in communication with the first channel within theforearm extension, the tubular member having a sidewall provided with acutout, the forearm extension rotatably attached to the first endcap bythe tubular member being received within the through hole within thefirst end of the forearm extension; a second endcap having an endrotatably attachable to a support structure; and elongated first andsecond channel members nested together to form a channel therebetween,the first and second channel members having first ends pivotablyattached to the first endcap and second ends pivotably attached to thesecond endcap, one of the channel members having an elongated openingbetween the first and second ends providing communication between theexterior of the channel member and the channel formed therein, whereinthe extension arm forms a cable pathway extending through the throughhole within the tubular member and the first channel within the forearmextension.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above description, as well as further objects, features andadvantages of the present invention will be more fully understood withreference to the following detailed description of an arm apparatus formounting electronic devices with cable management system, when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020]FIG. 1 is an assembly drawing of an extension arm for mounting acomputer monitor, in accordance with the prior art;

[0021]FIG. 2 illustrates a first endcap of an extension arm, inaccordance with the prior art;

[0022]FIG. 3 illustrates the clevis assembly of an extension arm, inaccordance with the prior art;

[0023]FIGS. 4a and 4 b illustrate the upper channel of an extension arm,in accordance with the prior art;

[0024]FIGS. 5a and 5 b illustrate the lower channel of an extension arm,in accordance with the prior art;

[0025]FIG. 6 illustrates a second endcap of an extension arm, inaccordance with the prior art;

[0026]FIG. 7 illustrates a forearm extension of an extension arm, inaccordance with the prior art;

[0027]FIG. 8 is an exploded assembly drawing of an extension arm havingan interior cable management system for adjustably mounting aflat-screen device to a support mount, according to one embodiment ofthe invention;

[0028]FIG. 9 is a side view of an extension arm with an interior cablemanagement system;

[0029]FIGS. 10a-d illustrate several views of a first endcap, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0030]FIGS. 11a-d illustrate several views of an upper channel,according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0031]FIGS. 12a-e illustrate several views of a lower channel, accordingto one embodiment of the invention;

[0032]FIGS. 13a-c illustrate several views of a partially enclosedhousing of a second endcap, according to one embodiment of theinvention;

[0033]FIGS. 14a-b illustrates several views of a shaft assembly of asecond endcap, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0034]FIG. 15 illustrates an assembled second endcap according to oneembodiment of the invention;

[0035]FIGS. 16a and 16 b illustrate a forearm extension, in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention;

[0036]FIGS. 17a-b, illustrate several views of a bushing used in asecond female coupling of the extension arm illustrated in FIGS. 16a-b;

[0037]FIGS. 18a-b are a side and bottom view of an upper channelaccording to one embodiment of the invention;

[0038]FIG. 19 is an assembly drawing of an extension arm for mounting adevice thereto in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0039]FIG. 20 illustrates a device mounting assembly for pivotable androtatable adjustment;

[0040]FIG. 21 illustrates one view of the lower channel according to oneembodiment of the invention;

[0041]FIG. 22 illustrates another view of the lower channel inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0042]FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lower channeltaken along line 23-23 in FIG. 21;

[0043]FIG. 24 illustrates one view of a forearm extension according toone embodiment of the invention;

[0044]FIG. 25 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the forearmextension taken along line 25-25 in FIG. 24;

[0045]FIG. 26 illustrates one view of a forearm extension cover memberin accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0046]FIG. 27 illustrates another view of the forearm extension covermember according to the invention;

[0047] FIGS. 28-30 illustrate several views of an endcap in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention;

[0048] FIGS. 31-32 illustrate several views of a tubular member forassembly in the endcap in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention;

[0049]FIG. 33 illustrates one view of a cover member according to oneembodiment of the invention;

[0050]FIG. 34 is an exploded illustration showing the components of atilter constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0051] FIGS. 35-37 are various illustrations of a swivel bolt forming acomponent of the tilter shown in FIG. 34;

[0052]FIGS. 38 and 39 are various illustrations of a swivel lug forminga component of the tilter shown in FIG. 34;

[0053] FIGS. 40-43 are various illustrations of a swivel adapter forminga component of the tilter shown in FIG. 34;

[0054]FIG. 44 illustrates the tilter shown in FIG. 34 in assembledrelationship; and

[0055] FIGS. 45-47 are various illustrations of a mounting bracket forthe tilter shown in FIG. 34 according to one embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] In describing the preferred embodiments of the subject matterillustrated and to be described with respect to the drawings, specificterminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, theinvention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms soselected, and is to be understood that each specific term includes alltechnical equivalence which operate in a similar manner to accomplish asimilar purpose.

[0057] With reference to the drawings, in general, and FIGS. 8 through17 in particular, the apparatus of the present invention is disclosed.Embodiments of an extension arm suitable for mounting a flat-screenelectronic peripheral device, such as a computer monitor or television,that is inexpensive and easy to manufacture and assemble, and permits aflat-screen device to be mounted substantially flush with a mountingsurface is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/405,628filed Sep. 24, 1999 entitled “Arm Apparatus For Mounting ElectronicDevices”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in itsentirety. The current invention discloses embodiments that enable theextension arm to substantially hide from view the cables to and from theflat-screen electronic peripheral device within the extension arm.

[0058]FIG. 8 is an exploded assembly drawing of an extension arm 100 inaccordance with one embodiment. The extension arm 100 comprises a firstendcap 102, an upper channel 104, a lower channel 106, a second endcap108, and a forearm extension 110. FIG. 9 illustrates how cables to andfrom the device are disposed within the lower channel 106, the secondendcap 108, and the forearm extension 110 of the extension arm 100 so asto be hidden from view. FIG. 9 will be discussed in more detail later.

[0059]FIGS. 10a and 10 b illustrate the first endcap 102, in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown, the firstendcap 102 includes a partially enclosed housing 112 which has flat,oppositely disposed endwalls 146 and 148 fixedly connected by a sidewall150. The sidewall 150 extends partially around the partially enclosedhousing 112 so as to permit manipulation of components to be assembledwithin the first endcap 102. In one embodiment, the endwalls 146 and 148are semicircular in shape and are connected along a semicircular edge tothe sidewall 150, which extends perpendicularly therebetween.

[0060]FIG. 10a illustrates the first endcap 102 having a shaft 114disposed on the endwall 148. The shaft 114 is preferably integrallymolded to the endwall 148 of the first endcap 102. Preferably the entirefirst endcap 102 (the partially enclosed housing 112 and the shaft 114)is molded from zinc. The endwall 146 has a hole 152 disposedtherethrough. Within the partially enclosed housing 112 and integrallymolded on the sidewall 150 are stops 156 disposed in proximity to theendwalls 146, 148; trough walls 158 disposed longitudinally along theinner surface of the sidewall 150 between the endwalls 146 and 148 so asto define a trough 160 therebetween; and shelves 162 disposed adjacentto the endwall 148.

[0061] The stops 156 serve to stop upward or downward movement of theextension arm 100 when ends of the upper channel 104 and the lowerchannel 106, respectively, meet the stops 156 when the extension arm 100is in extended positions. The trough 160 disposed between the troughwalls 158 allows a clevis 120 to be moved therein, as discussed in moredetail later. FIG. lob illustrates the shelves 162 defining coplanarfaces separated by a groove 164. The shelves 162 have a connectionmeans, such as self tapping screw holes 154 disposed therein. Thecoplanar faces of the shelves 162 are configured to engage a retainerclip 126, which is fastened in place by, for example, a pair of screws128. When the retainer clip 126 is fastened in place, the groove 164defines a spacing for accepting one end of a threaded rod 124, asdiscussed in more detail below.

[0062] The threaded rod 124 and the clevis 120 are now fabricated andassembled in the first endcap 102. The threaded rod 124 is employedwithin the first endcap 102 so as to adjustably support the clevis 120.FIG. 10c illustrates the threaded rod 124 having a first end 166 whichhas a circular cross-section within which is axially disposed a shapedopening 168, for example a hex-shaped opening, for accepting a shapedkey (not shown), such as a hex-shaped key. Advantageously, across-sectional diameter of the first end 166 is smaller than across-sectional diameter of the hole 152, so as to be inserted therein.Adjacent the first end 166 is a shoulder 170. Advantageously, theshoulder 170 has a circular cross-section having a diameter that islarger than the cross-sectional diameter of the hole 152. Thus, in apreferred embodiment, the shoulder 170 abuts an inner surface of theendwall 146 and retains the first end 166 within the hole 152.

[0063] The threaded rod 124 also includes a threaded section 172 whichis configured to threadingly engage the clevis 120. A second end 174 ofthreaded rod 124 is disposed in the groove 164 located between theshelves 162 of the first endcap 102. Preferably, the second end 174 ofthe threaded rod 124 has a circular cross-section having a diameter thatis smaller than the size of the groove 164, such that the second end 174is supported between the shelves 162 but is free to rotate therein.

[0064] As previously mentioned, threadedly mounted on the rod 124 is theclevis 120. The clevis 120 as illustrated in FIG. 10d, has a tapped hole176 formed therein for receiving the threaded rod 124. The clevis 120also has a pair of fastening members 178 at a first end to which arefastened a first end of a gas spring 122. The second end of the clevis120 is configured to slidably engage the trough 160.

[0065] When the first end 166 of the threaded rod 124 is engaged by ashaped key, the shaped key is employed so as to rotate the threaded rod124 around its axial centerline. When the threaded rod 124 is rotatedaround this axis of rotation, the clevis 120 moves along the length ofthe threaded rod 124 in a direction that corresponds to the directionwhich the shaped key is turned. This movement of the clevis 120 permitsthe gas spring 122 to be adjusted.

[0066] The partially enclosed housing 112 is configured with, forexample, holes 116 to receive a connection mechanism, such as pins 118,therethrough. The shaft 114 is configured to be inserted for pivotablerotation in a support mount (not shown), which may be a wall, desk orpole mount, or a configurable mount as shown and described inApplicant's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/406,531entitled “Configurable Mount” filed on Sep. 27, 1999, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0067]FIGS. 11a-d illustrate several views of the upper channel 104,according to one embodiment of the invention. The upper channel 104includes a U-shaped body 130 and integrally cast rollers 132 disposed atopposite ends of the U-shaped body 130. The U-shaped body 130 comprisesa channel bottom 180 from which extend two channel sidewalls 182. Thechannel bottom 180, the sidewalls 182 and the rollers 132 of the upperchannel 104 are preferably integrally cast from zinc, which gives theupper channel 104 a lesser weight, and a degree of structural rigidity,more suitable for lighter-weight flat-screen devices than the prior artupper channel 14 which is stamped from heavy gauge steel. The rollers132 have a hole 184 therethrough (either cast or subsequently drilled)for receiving a connection mechanism, such as the pins 118.Additionally, the upper channel 104 comprises a threaded hole 186configured and sized to receive a threaded end of a ball stud 138. Thethreaded hole 186 is also integrally cast. The ball stud 138 isconfigured and sized to receive a second end of the gas spring 122.

[0068] Unlike the prior art upper channel 14 in which the U-shapedchannel is formed by heating a piece of steel and bending the steel toform the channel bottom 60 and the sidewalls 62, the upper channel 104of the invention is cast molded. The use of cast molding ensures theangle between the channel bottom 180 and the sidewalls 182 is exactlythe same each and every time. Moreover, cast molding enables thesidewalls 182 to be tapered. As illustrated in FIGS. 11c and 11 d, bothan outer surface and an inner surface of the sidewalls 182 may taper in,for example, by approximately 1 degree. It should be noted that thetaper is not limited to 1 degree, and that the taper of the innersurface and the outer surface need not be the same. The taper providesseveral advantages including more clearance between the upper and thelower channels 104, 106 when the upper and the lower channels 104, 106are brought together during usage. That is, the inner surface of thesidewalls 182 being displaced by 1 degree means that there will beadditional clearance for the lower channel 106 to fit therewithin. Theadditional clearance will help prevent the upper channel 104 and thelower channel 106 from scraping together.

[0069]FIGS. 12a-e illustrate several views of the lower channel 106,according to one embodiment of the invention. The lower channel 106includes a U-shaped body 134 and integrally cast rollers 136 disposed atopposite ends of the U-shaped body 134. The U-shaped body 134 of thelower channel 106 comprises a channel bottom 190 from which extend twochannel sidewalls 192. The channel bottom 190, the sidewalls 192 and therollers 136 of the lower channel 106 are preferably integrally cast fromzinc, which gives the lower channel 106 a lesser weight when compared toheavy gauge steel, and a degree of structural rigidity, more suitablefor lighter-weight flat-screen devices. The rollers 136 have a hole 194therethrough (either cast or subsequently drilled) for receiving aconnection mechanism, such as the pins 118.

[0070] The channel bottom 190 additionally includes a cable channel 196running longitudinally therealong. In the embodiment shown, a first end197 of the cable channel 196 starts near an end of the channel bottom190 that pivotably connects to the first endcap 102. The cable channel196 then runs along the entire length of the channel bottom 190 to theend of the channel bottom 190 that pivotably connects to the secondendcap 108. Thus, the second end 199, of the cable channel 196 is anopening between the roller 136 at the end of the channel bottom thatpivotably connects to the second endcap 108. The first end 197 may be,for example, rounded to improve the rigidity of the lower channel 106.The cable channel 196 is configured to receive a cable cover 198(illustrated in FIG. 12e) which is configured to removably fit withinthe cable channel 196. Thus, cables of the mounted device may besubstantially retained within the lower channel 106 so as to hide themfrom view and protect them from harm. The cable channel 196 and thecable cover 198 enable cables to be accessed when desired, whilesecuring them within the lower channel 106.

[0071] As illustrated in FIGS. 12c and 12 d the sidewalls 192 of thelower channel 106 are tapered. For example, an outer surface of thesidewalls 192 may be tapered approximately 112 degree while an innersurface may be tapered approximately 1 degree. It should be noted thatthe taper is not limited to a particular angle, and that the taper ofthe inner surface and the outer surface may be the same. The taper ispossible because the lower channel 106 is, in the preferred embodiment,cast molded. As noted above with respect to the upper channel 104, thetaper provides more clearance between the upper channel 104 and thelower channel 106 so as to reduce or eliminate the chance of the upperand the lower channels 104, 106 scraping.

[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 12e, the cable cover 198 includes a topcover 202 with two sidewalls 204 protruding therefrom. A far end of eachsidewall 204 has a catch 206 formed thereon so as to engage with thecable channel 196.

[0073] The second endcap 108 includes a partially enclosed housing 250and a shaft assembly 252. As illustrated in FIGS. 13a-c, the partiallyenclosed housing 250 has a first endwall 254 and a second endwall 256oppositely disposed from each other and fixedly connected by a sidewall258. The sidewall 258 extends partially around the partially enclosedhousing 250 so as to permit manipulation of components, such as cables,which may be contained therewithin. The first endwall 254 has a hole 260disposed therethrough and threaded holes 262 disposed therein that arein communication with the hole 260. Disposed with the threaded holes 262are set screws 264. Preferably, the diameter of the hole 260 is largeenough to allow a plug end of a cable to fit therethrough.

[0074] As illustrated in FIGS. 14a-c, the shaft assembly 252 preferablyincludes two symmetrical endcap adapters 266 which when assembledprovide a hollow shaft 268. The endcap adapters 266 have a mounting end270 and a shaft end 272 that is thinner than the mounting end 270. Asillustrated in FIG. 15, the mounting end 270 of both of the endcapadapters 266 are inserted into the hole 260 and are coupled together andto the partially enclosed housing 250, to form the second endcap 108, bytightening the set screws 264.

[0075] The upper and the lower channels 104, 106 and the first and thesecond endcaps 102, 108 are configured so as to form an adjustableparallelogram. When configured, the shaft 114 of the first endcap 102and the hollow shaft 268 of the second endcap 108 point in oppositedirections. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the shaft 114 of thefirst endcap 102 extends vertically downward while the hollow shaft 268of the second endcap 108 extends vertically upward. The shape of theparallelogram is retained by the gas spring 122. As previouslymentioned, the first end of the gas spring 122 is attached to the ballstud 138 mounted within the upper channel 104 and the second end isadjustably mounted to the clevis 120 within the first endcap 102.

[0076] Generally, the gas spring 122 is sized so as to have a fixedlength until an upward or downward force is exerted at the second endcap108 that exceeds the gas spring's designed resistance. Thus, the gasspring 122 retains the parallelogram shape when the only force exertedat the second endcap 108 is the weight of the flat-screen device.However, the gas spring 122 permits the parallelogram shape to beadjusted when a user pushes the flat-screen device coupled to theforearm extension 110 up or down.

[0077] With reference to FIGS. 16a and 16 b, the forearm extension 110includes a body 140 having a first female coupling 142 located on afirst end and a second female coupling 144 located on a second end. Thefirst female coupling 142 has an inner diameter 209 that is sized torotatably engage the hollow shaft 268 of the second endcap 108. Thefirst female coupling 142 is also configured to receive a cable throughthe hollow shaft 268. That is, the first female coupling 142 has a cableslot 274 formed therein, for example by milling the cable slot 274 intothe first female coupling 142, or by casting the first female coupling142 with the cable slot 274 integrally formed therein.

[0078] The first female coupling 142 preferably has a set screw 212formed within a wall 214 thereof. The set screw 212 can be tightened toprevent the first female coupling 142 from rotating about the hollowshaft 268. Advantageously, the first female coupling 142 has a pluralityof voids 217 formed in the wall 214, which saves on material costs andpermits the forearm extension 110, when cast, to be cooled more quickly.The quicker cooling enables the production quantity to be increased.

[0079] A bushing 210 (FIG. 8) is preferably used to engage the firstfemale coupling 142 and the hollow shaft 268. That is, the bushing 210is placed over the hollow shaft 268 and within the first female coupling142. The bushing 210 is preferably made of a smooth material, such asplastic, in order to reduce friction and prevent metal to metal contact.As illustrated in FIGS. 17a and 17 b, the bushing 210 also has a cableslot 276 formed therein. The cable slots 274, 276 are aligned so that acable can pass therethrough. When the set screw 212 is tightened itcauses the bushing 210 to flex inward and frictionally engage the hollowshaft 268 and thus prevent the forearm extension 110 from rotating aboutthe hollow shaft 268. The hollow shaft 268 and the first female coupling142 are held together by utilizing a screw 211 and a washer 213 (FIG.8).

[0080] The body 140 preferably has an inverted U-shape with a topwall207 and two sidewalls 208 so that a cable can be hidden therein.Advantageously attached within the U-shaped body 140, and preferably onthe topwall 207, is a cable holder 278 (FIG. 8). The cable holder 278secures a cable within the U-shaped body so that it can be hidden fromview as it travels the length of the forearm extension 110.

[0081] The second female coupling 144 is for attachment to a devicemounting (not shown), such as a tilter described in Applicant'sco-pending Patent Application Ser. No. 09/406,530 filed on Sep. 27, 1999which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, a platform,or other means for supporting a flat-screen device. Thus, the secondfemale coupling 144 has an inner diameter 218 that is sized to rotatablyengage a shaft of the device mount. A bushing 220 (FIG. 8), preferablymade of a smooth material such as plastic, is placed over the shaft andwithin the second female coupling 144. The second female coupling 144preferably has a set screw 222 formed within a wall 224 of the secondfemale coupling 144. When the set screw 222 is tightened it causes thebushing 220 to flex inward and frictionally engage the shaft and thusprevent the device mount from rotating around the second female coupling144. Advantageously, the second female coupling 144 also has a pluralityof voids 226 formed in the wall 224.

[0082] The embodiment of the forearm extension 110 illustrated in FIGS.16a and 16 b, has the topwall 207 flush with an upper edge of the femalecouplings 142, 144. Since the first female coupling 142 is larger thanthe second female coupling, the center of the first female coupling 142is not aligned with the center of the second female coupling 144 or anaxial centerline 228 of the body 140. It should be noted that analternative embodiment is to have the center of the female couplings142, 144 and the axial centerline 228 of the body 140 all aligned, sothat the topwall 207 would not be aligned with an upper edge of thefirst female coupling 142.

[0083] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16a, has the body 140horizontally disposed between the female couplings 142, 144 when theaxial centerlines of the female couplings 142, 144 are verticallydisposed. It should be noted however that the body 140 is not limited tobe horizontally disposed and may be disposed at an incline in thisembodiment.

[0084] The present invention permits a flat-screen device which ismounted to a wall to be flattened against the wall while hiding theextension arm 100 within the shadow of the device. That is, the forearmextension 110 may be folded into a position which is directly above theupper and the lower channels 104, 106. As a result, the mounted deviceis flush to the mounting surface and substantially hides theparallelogram, formed by the first and the second endcaps 102, 108 andthe upper and the lower channels 104, 106, as well as the forearmextension 110 from view. Thus, the aesthetic appeal of the extension arm100 is increased and the space occupied by the extension arm 100 and thedevice is minimized.

[0085] Referring back to FIG. 9, a flat-screen monitor 300 is attachedto a tilter 302 which is rotatably coupled to the second female coupling144. A cable 304, such as a power cable, proceeds from the monitor 300to the underside off the U-shaped body 140 of the forearm extension 110.The cable 304 is held in place within the U-shaped body 140 by the cableholder 278. The cable 304 proceeds from the body through the cable slots274, 276 in the bushing 210 and the first female coupling 142. The cablethen proceeds through the hollow shaft 268 of the second endcap 108. Thecable exits the second endcap 208 through the open end of the partiallyenclosed housing 260. The cable proceeds down the length of the lowerchannel 106 and exits at the first end 197 of the cable channel 196.

[0086] Preferably, the cable 304 is inserted into the extension arm 100as portions of the extension arm 100 are being assembled. That is, thecable 304 is placed under the U-shaped body 140 of the forearm extension110 and is held in place by the cable holder 278. The cable is thenpassed through the cable slots 274, 276. The cable 304 including theplug 306 is then fed through the hole 260 in the second endcap 108. Thesecond endcap 108 is now assembled by inserting the mounting end 270 ofeach endcap adapter 268 into the hole 260, thus surrounding the cable304. The endcap adapters 268 are held together and within the hole 260by tightening the set screws 264. The hollow shaft 268 is then placedwithin the first female coupling 142. The cable 304 is placed within thelower channel 106, prior to the lower channel 106 and the second endcapbeing secured together. This ensures that the cable 304 is above theroller 136 and is contained within the hollow bar formed by the upperchannel 104 and the lower channel 106.

[0087] Referring back to FIG. 8, several additional components of theextension arm 100 are discussed. For aesthetic purposes, a bumper 280may be placed on the second endwall 256 of the second endcap 108 and aplug 282 may be placed over the first female coupling 142. A washer 284may be placed over the two endcap, adapters 268 to help secure themtogether.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 18a-b, the upper channel 104 is constructed tooptionally include internal reinforcements. This is particularlyadvantageous when mounting heavy electronic devices to the extensionarm, for example, large computer monitors of the CRT type. Internalwithin the upper channel 104 is a rib assembly including a plurality ofcross-ribs 400 and angularly disposed secondary ribs 402. By way ofexample, the cross-ribs 400 are disposed transverse to the sidewalls182, while the secondary ribs 402 are disposed at an angle so as to forma triangular internal support structure. The cross-ribs 400 andsecondary ribs 402 may be formed as an integral member which can beinserted into the upper channel 104. Preferably, the cross-ribs 400 andsecondary ribs 402 are integrally cast during formation of the upperchannel 104.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 19, there is illustrated an extension arm 404constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements withrespect to the extension arm 100 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Generally asshown, the extension arm 404 includes a first endcap 102, nested upperand lower channels 104, 106, a second endcap 108 and a forearm extension110. Briefly, as thus far described with reference to extension arm 100,the first endcap 102 is mountable to a support structure such as, by wayof example, endcap shaft 114. The shaft 114 is configured to be insertedfor pivotable rotation to a support mount (not shown), such aspreviously discussed and as disclosed in Applicant's co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/406,531.

[0090] The upper and lower channels 104, 106 are nested together topermit relative sliding movement therebetween in both longitudinal andtransverse direction. The upper and lower channels 104, 106 by virtue oftheir general U-shaped construction form therebetween an internalchannel extending therethrough. The common ends of the upper and lowerchannels 104, 106 are pivotably attached to the first endcap 102 bymeans of pins 118 as previously described. Similarly, the other commonends of the upper and lower channels 104, 106 are pivotably attached tothe second endcap 108 by means of pins 118. A gas spring 122 of thehydraulic type is received within the channel formed between the upperand lower channels 104, 106 and attached to the clevis 120 and upperchannel 104 as previously described. The forearm extension 110 isrotatably mounted to the second endcap 108 about a hollow tubular member406 as to be described hereinafter.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 20, an electronic device 408 is attached to atilter 302. The tilter, via its shaft 410 is rotatably mountable to thefree end of the forearm extension 410. The tilter 302 includes a shaft412 about which the electronic device 408 can be pivoted. As such, thetilter 302 enables the rotation and pivoting or tilting of theelectronic device 408 into a desired orientation. One such tilter 302 isdescribed and disclosed in Applicant's co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/406,350 filed on Sep. 27, 1999, the disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0092] Turning to FIGS. 21-23, there is illustrated the construction ofthe lower channel 106 in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention. It is to be understood that the lower channel 106 isgenerally of similar construction as thus far described. In this regard,the lower channel 106 includes a U-shaped body having rollers 136disposed at opposite ends. In accordance with the preferred embodiment,the rollers 136 are integrally cast in forming the lower channel 106.The lower channel includes a channel bottom 190 from which extends twochannel sidewalls 192. The rollers 136 have a hole 194 therethrough forreceiving a connection mechanism such as the pins 118.

[0093] The channel bottom 190 additionally includes a cable channel 196running longitudinally therealong. In the embodiment shown, the cablechannel 196 extends along the length of the channel bottom 190,terminating inwardly and adjacent the rollers 136. One or both of theends of the cable channel 136 may be rounded or having a key-hole shape.The cable channel 196 is configured to receive a cable cover 412 asshown in FIG. 33. Thus, cables 304 of the mounted electronic device 408may be wholly or partially retained within the lower channel 106 so asto hide them from view and protect them from harm. Where the cables 304are placed externally of the lower channels 106, they are covered andprotected by the cable cover 412.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 33, the cable cover is formed as an elongatedU-shaped body having spaced apart legs 414, 416. The ends of the legs414, 416 are provided with an outwardly extending bump 418 which forms aside recess 420. The cable cover 412 is removably attached to the lowerchannel 106 by inserting the legs 414, 416 through the cable channel196. The edges of the channel bottom 190 will be received within theside recesses 420 after the legs 414, 416 are deflected inwardly byengagement with the bumps 418.

[0095] The cable cover 412 forms an elongated opening 422 overlying thecable channel 196. It is contemplated that in certain applications, acable 304 may be strung through the interior of the lower channel 106when assembling the extension arm 404. In certain other applications,the construction of the lower channel 106 and gas spring 120 will limitthe space within the lower channel for accommodating a cable 304. Inthis regard, the cable channel 196 and opposing opening 422 will provideadditional space for receiving the cable. Further in this regard, in anapplication where the extension arm 404 is fully assembled, it might notbe possible to thread a cable through the lower channel 106. As such,the cable 304 can be extended overlying the cable channel 196 andcontained within the opening 422 of the cable cover 412. It is alsofurther contemplated that the cable 304 can be threaded through theinterior of the lower channel 106 and directly into the interior of thesecond endcap 108 or outwardly through the cable channel 196. This isparticularly facilitated when installing cable 304 during the assemblyof the extension arm 404 as to be described hereinafter.

[0096]FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate the construction of a modification ofthe forearm 110 as shown in FIGS. 16a and 16 b. The forearm extension110, as modified, includes a bottom wall 424 which extends from thefirst female coupling 142 to the second female coupling 144. Inaccordance with one embodiment, the bottom wall 424 is provided with anopening 426 arranged adjacent the second female coupling 144. Theforearm extension 110 is provided with an open top forming an opening428 extending from the first female coupling 142 to the second femalecoupling 144 and over the opening 426 in the bottom wall 424.

[0097] The opening 424 which extends through the forearm extension 110is wholly or partially closed by a removable cable cover 430 as shown inFIGS. 26 and 27. The cable cover 430 includes a top wall 432 from whichthere depends a plurality of ribs 434 of different length and height.The topwall 432 of the cable cover 430 is formed from an elongatedsection 436 and a circular section 438. The circular section 438 isadapted to be disposed over the female coupling 142, while the elongatedsection 436 is adapted to be received over the adjacent portion of theforearm extension 110. The ribs extend inwardly into the opening 428 andare sized so as to engage the sidewalls forming the forearm extension110 and first female coupling 142. The friction fit effected by the ribs434 maintains the cable cover 430 in position overlying the opening 428.The cable cover 430 has an end 440 which as shown is a semicircularsection. However, it is to be understood that the end 440 may bestraight or other shaped. The end 440, when the cable cover 430 is inposition, terminates short of the location of the second female coupling142 as shown in FIG. 19. As a result, an opening 442 is provided betweenthe end 440 of the cable cover 430 and the second female coupling 144.It is not a requirement that opening 442 be overlying or in alignmentwith opening 426 in the bottom wall 424.

[0098] The forearm extension 110 is pivotably mounted to the secondendcap 108 by rotationally receiving therein the free end of the tubularmember 406 as shown in FIG. 19. Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, thetubular member 406 is constructed from an elongated cylindrical body 444having a hollow interior 446. A generally rectangular-shaped opening 448is cut into the sidewall of the body 444 to provide communication to thehollow interior 446.

[0099] As shown in FIGS. 28-30, the second endcap 108 includes apartially enclosed housing including spaced apart first and secondendwalls 254, 256 connected by sidewall 258. The sidewall 258 extendspartially around the housing so as to form a cylindrical through hole450 extending between the first and second endwalls 254, 256. Theconstruction of the second endcap 108 is similar to that described withrespect to the endcap shown in FIGS. 13a-13 c.

[0100] The tubular member 406 is inserted into the opening 450 withinthe second endcap 108 as shown in FIG. 29. The rectangular opening 448is aligned to allow access into the interior of the tubular member forfeeding cable 304 therethrough.

[0101] Referring once again to FIG. 19, the cable 304 is concealed bypassing through the interior of the second endcap 108. The cable 304 mayextend into the interior of the second endcap 108 from either of twolocations. For example, the cable 304 may run along the exterior of thelower channel member 106, being enclosed by cable cover 412. In thisregard, all or a portion of the cable 304 may also be received withinthe interior of the lower channel 106 through the cable channel 196therein. The cable 304 will then extend into the second endcap 108through the opening in the second endwall 256. In addition, the cable304 may extend wholly or partially within the lower channel 106,entering the second endcap 104 directly through the opening 448 in thetubular member 406.

[0102] The cable 304 extends into the interior of the forearm extension110 through the first female coupling 142 to a location adjacent thefree end where the tilter 302 is rotationally supported. The cable 304exits from the forearm extension 110 through either of the openings 426,442. The openings 426, 444 and the tubular member 406 are sized to allowthe pin connector attached to the cable 304 for the electronic device topass therethrough. The extension arms 100, 404 as thus far describedprovide a construction for the internal management of cables 304 to andfrom a support electronic device 408.

[0103] Turning now to FIGS. 34-47, there will be described a tilter 458constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 34, the tilter 458 includes a swivel bolt460, a swivel lug 462, a dowel pin 464, a friction pellet 466, a setscrew 468, an adapter 470, bolt 472, and optionally a mounting sleeve474. In addition to the foregoing components, and as shown in FIGS.45-47, there is provided an adapter mounting bracket 475.

[0104] Turning to FIGS. 35-37, the swivel bolt 460 includes a top plate476 which may be circular, rectangular, oval or any other shape asdesired. Depending from the top plate 476 is a generally cylindricalbody 478 having an upper portion provided with a threaded hole 480 and alower portion provided with a rectangular cutout 482 which defines apair of spaced apart legs 484, 486. The cutout 482 is in communicationwith the end of the threaded hole 480 which defines a receiving spacefor receiving a portion of the swivel lug 462. A hole 488 is arrangedtransversely through the legs 484, 486 in alignment with each other. Asshown in FIG. 37, the legs 484, 486 are generally provided with flatplanar parallel spaced apart inner surfaces 490 and outer curvedsurfaces 492.

[0105] As shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the swivel lug 462 is formed from arectangular body 494 having a rounded upper end 496. A through hole 498extends through the swivel lug 462 adjacent the upper end 496. The otherend of the swivel lug 462 is provided with a threaded hole 500 whichextends to a location adjacent the through hole 498. The threaded hole500 is preferably not in communication with the through hole 498. Theswivel lug 462, as shown in FIG. 39, is formed with a pair of spacedapart parallel planar surfaces 502, 504.

[0106] Turning to FIGS. 40-43, the adapter 470 includes a main bodysection 504 and a T-shaped extension 506. The main body section 504includes a through opening 508. The through opening 508 adjacent the topsurface 510 of the main body section 504 is provided as arectangular-shaped opening 512. As best shown in FIG. 40, therectangular-shaped opening 512 is of greater size than the adjacentportion of the through opening 508. The T-shaped extension 506 extendsoutwardly from the main body section 504. As best shown in FIGS. 41 and43, the T-shaped extension 506 has a generally horizontal topwall 514and a sloped bottom wall 516 providing a wedge-shaped profile.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 34 and 44, the assembly of the tilter 458 willnow be described. The swivel lug 462 is inserted into the rectangularcutout 482 defined between legs 484, 486 of the swivel bolt 460. Theupper end 496 is positioned adjacent and underlying the threaded hole480. The swivel lug 462 is pivotably mounted to the swivel bolt 460 byinserting the cylindrical dowel pin 464 through the aligned holes 488,498 in the swivel bolt and swivel lug. As shown in FIG. 44, this permitsthe swivel lug 462 to pivot about the dowel pin 464 into and out of theplane of the figure.

[0108] The friction pellet 466 is inserted into the bottom end of thethreaded hole 480 in the swivel bolt 460 where it is supported by itsengagement with the upper end 496 of the swivel lug 462. The threadedset screw 468 is inserted into the threaded hole 480 such that its endis in engagement with the upper surface of the friction pellet 466.Rotation of the set screw 468 will apply pressure on the friction pellet466 which, in turn, will apply pressure to the swivel lug 462. Thefriction pellet 466 is preferably constructed of a polymer material soas to be resilient and capable of withstanding the forces imparted bythe set screw 468. Upon applying sufficient force, the pivotable actionof the swivel lug 462 may be arrested for adjustment purposes as to bedescribed hereinafter.

[0109] The assembly as thus far described, i.e., the swivel bolt 460 andswivel lug 462, may be inserted into an adapter receiving support 474.As shown in FIG. 34, the adapter receiving support 474 is in the natureof a hollow cylindrical body having a generally planar flanged top 520.The cylindrical body 518 forms a cylindrical through hole 522 having asize and shape adapted to receive the body 478 of the swivel bolt 460.The length of the cylindrical body 518 allows a portion of the swivellug 562 to extend outwardly therebeyond as shown in FIG. 44. The tilter458 has been described thus far as including an adapter receivingsupport 474. The adapter receiving support 474 can be inserted into theopening 212 within the end of the forearm extension 110. However, it isto be understood that the adapter receiving support 474 may beeliminated. In this regard, the swivel bolt 460 will be inserteddirectly into the opening 218. As such, the adapter receiving support474 can function as a liner or bearing for the opening 218 and cantherefore be constructed from a variety of materials such as polymermaterials, as well as metal if so desired.

[0110] The free end of the swivel lug 462 is inserted into therectangular-shaped opening 512 within the adapter 470. The swivel lug462 is secured thereat by threaded bolt 472 which is threaded into thethreaded hole 500 of the swivel lug. The completed assembly of thetilter 458 is shown in FIG. 44. The adapter 470 is operative forrotation about the longitudinal axis of the swivel bolt 460. In thisregard, the swivel bolt 460 will rotate within the adapter receivingsupport 474. To this end, it is preferable that the adapter receivingsupport 474 be constructed of polymer materials. In addition, theadapter 470 may be pivoted about the axis of the dowel pin 464 by meansof the swivel lug 462. Accordingly, the adapter 470 can be both pivotedand rotated as desired.

[0111] The adapter 470 is releasably attached to a device mountingbracket 475. As shown in FIGS. 45-47, the mounting bracket 475 includesa plate 526 having a plurality of through holes 528. The through holes528 may be arranged at various locations as desired. As shown in FIG.47, the through holes 528 can be used for attaching the plate 526 to therear surface of an electronic device 408, such as an LCD monitor, etc.Other attachment mechanisms such as screws, clamps may be used forattaching the plate 526 to the desired electronic device 408.

[0112] The plate 526 is provided at one end with a configured wall 530which defines a T-shaped opening 532. The T-shaped opening 532 is sizedand configured so as to receive the T-shaped extension 506 on theadapter 470. As shown in FIG. 44, the T-shaped extension 470 can beinserted into the T-shaped opening 532 and secured thereat by means of abolt or set screw 534. In this manner, the electronic device 408 will beconnected to the tilter 458 via the mounting bracket 475 to enable itsrotation and pivoting or tilting as thus far described. The tiltingorientation of the mounting bracket 475 can be fixed by tightening theset screw 468 to apply a sufficient force against the swivel lug 462 bymeans of the friction pellet 466.

[0113] Although the invention herein has been described with referenceto particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and applications of thepresent invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerousmodifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that otherarrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. An adjustable extension arm for mounting an electronic devicethereto, said extension arm comprising a forearm extension having afirst end and a second end for attachment of a device thereto, saidforearm extension having a first opening at said first end and a secondopening adjacent said second end, said first and second openings incommunication with each other through a channel provided within saidforearm extension between said first and second ends, a first endcaphaving a first end rotationally attached to said first end of saidforearm extension, said first endcap having an opening extendingtherethrough in communication with said first opening within saidforearm extension, a second endcap having a first end attachable to asupport structure, and elongated first and second channel members nestedtogether to form a channel therebetween, said first and second channelmembers having first ends pivotably attached to said first endcap andsecond ends pivotably attached to said second endcap.
 2. The extensionarm of claim 1 , wherein one of said channel members has an elongatedopening between said first and second ends providing communicationbetween the exterior of said channel member and said channel formedtherein.
 3. The extension arm of claim 1 , wherein said channel formedbetween said first and second channel members is in communication withsaid opening extending through said first endcap.
 4. The extension armof claim 1 , further including a gas cylinder within said channel formedbetween said first and second channel members, said gas cylinderretaining said first and second endcaps and said first and secondchannels in parallelogram shape.
 5. The extension arm of claim 1 ,wherein said first and second endcaps have vertical axes, said axesmaintained in parallel alignment while said first and second channelmembers are pivoted at their respective first and second ends about saidfirst and second endcaps.
 6. The extension arm of claim 1 , wherein saidforearm extension includes an elongated top opening in communicationwith said channel therein and said first and second openings.
 7. Theextension arm of claim 6 , further including a cover removably receivedwithin said top opening, said cover permitting external access to saidchannel within said forearm extension through said second opening. 8.The extension arm of claim 7 , wherein said second opening is arrangedbetween one end of said cover and said second end of said forearmextension.
 9. The extension arm of claim 7 , wherein said forearmextension includes a bottom wall, said second opening extending betweensaid bottom wall and said cover adjacent said second end of said forearmextension.
 10. The extension arm of claim 1 , wherein said forearmextension includes a bottom wall, said second opening arranged in saidbottom wall adjacent said second end of said forearm extension.
 11. Theextension arm of claim 1 , further including a tubular member having oneend received within said opening within said first endcap and anotherend received within said first opening within said forearm extension.12. The extension member of claim 11 , wherein said tubular member has aside opening therein providing communication between said channel formedbetween said first and second channel members and said channel providedwithin said forearm extension.
 13. The extension arm of claim 1 ,further including a mounting assembly attached to said second end ofsaid forearm extension, said mounting assembly having a support platefor attachment to an electronic device.
 14. The extension arm of claim 1, further including a shaft extending from said first end of said secondendcap for rotatably mounting said second endcap to a support structure.15. The extension arm of claim 1 , further including a plurality of ribswithin said first channel member extending between a pair of spacedapart sidewalls of said first channel member.
 16. An adjustableextension arm for mounting an electronic device thereto, said extensionarm comprising a forearm extension having an internal elongated channelopening upward and extending between first and second ends of saidforearm extension, a device mounting assembly for mounting an electronicdevice to said second end of said forearm extension, a first endcaphaving a first end to which said first end of said forearm extension isrotationally mounted, said first endcap including an opening extendingtherethrough in communication with said internal elongated channelwithin said forearm extension, a second endcap attachable to a supportstructure, a nested pair of elongated members forming an internalelongated channel therein, one common end of said elongated memberspivotably attached to said first endcap and another common end of saidelongated members pivotably attached to said second endcap, wherein saidextension arm has a cable pathway through said opening extending throughsaid first endcap and said internal elongated channel within saidforearm extension.
 17. The extension arm of claim 16 , wherein at leastone of said members has an outer wall provided with an elongated openingcommunicating with said internal elongated channel provided between saidnested pair of elongated members.
 18. The extension arm of claim 16 ,wherein said cable pathway further extends through said internalelongated channel within said nested pair of elongated members.
 19. Theextension of claim 16 , wherein said opening in said first endcapprovides communication to the exterior of said first endcap.
 20. Theextension arm of claim 16 , further including a cover removablyattachable to said forearm extension overlying said internal elongatedchannel.
 21. The extension arm of claim 20 , wherein said cover forms anopening at one end thereof to provide external access to said internalelongated channel.
 22. The extension arm of claim 21 , wherein saidopening formed by said cover is arranged adjacent said device mountingassembly.
 23. The extension arm of claim 16 , wherein said forearmextension includes a bottom wall having an opening adjacent said devicemounting assembly, said opening providing external access to saidinternal elongated channel.
 24. The extension arm of claim 16 , furtherincluding a gas cylinder within said nested pair of elongated members.25. The extension arm of claim 16 , wherein said first and secondendcaps have vertical axes, said axes maintained in parallel alignmentwhile said nested pair of elongated members are pivoted at their ends.26. The extension arm of claim 16 , further including a tubular memberwithin said first endcap, said forearm extension being rotationallyattached to said tubular member.
 27. The extension arm of claim 26 ,wherein said tubular member has a side opening therein providingcommunication between said internal channel formed between said firstand second channel members and said internal channel provided withinsaid forearm extension.
 28. The extension arm of claim 16 , furtherincluding a shaft extending from said second endcap for rotationallymounting said second endcap to a support structure.
 29. An adjustableextension arm for mounting an electronic device thereto, said extensionarm comprising a forearm extension having a first end and a second endfor attachment of an electronic device thereto, said first end having athrough hole connected to said second end by a U-shaped member having abottom wall and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls, said U-shaped memberforming an elongated first channel in communication with said throughhole, a cover releasably attachable to said forearm extension overlyingsaid through hole and a portion of said U-shaped member for enclosingsaid elongated first channel, at least one opening in said forearmextension in either said bottom wall adjacent said second end or betweensaid second end and a portion of said cover; a first endcap including afirst end and a second end having a through hole extending between saidfirst and second ends; a tubular member received within said throughhole within said first endcap having an interior in communication withsaid first channel within said forearm extension, said tubular memberhaving a sidewall provided with a cutout, said forearm extensionrotatably attached to said first endcap by said tubular member beingreceived within said through hole within said first end of said forearmextension; a second endcap having an end rotatably attachable to asupport structure; and elongated first and second channel members nestedtogether to form a channel therebetween, said first and second channelmembers having first ends pivotably attached to said first endcap andsecond ends pivotably attached to said second endcap, one of saidchannel members having an elongated opening between said first andsecond ends providing communication between the exterior of said channelmember and said channel formed therein, wherein said extension arm formsa cable pathway extending through said through hole within said tubularmember and said first channel within said forearm extension.
 30. Theextension arm of claim 29 , wherein said cable pathway further extendsthrough one of said channel members.
 31. The extension arm of claim 29 ,wherein said first and second endcaps have vertical axes, said axesmaintained in parallel alignment while said first and second channelmembers are pivoted at their respective first and second ends about saidfirst and second endcaps.
 32. The extension arm of claim 29 , furtherincluding a gas cylinder within said nested pair of elongated members.33. The extension arm of claim 29 , further including a mountingassembly attached to said second end of said forearm extension, saidmounting assembly having a support plate for attachment to an electronicdevice.
 34. The extension arm of claim 29 further including a coverremovably attachable to said opening within one of said channel members.35. The extension arm of claim 34 , wherein said cover forms anelongated opening providing a cable pathway therethrough.
 36. A tilterassembly for an electronic device, said assembly comprising a swivelbolt having an opening at one end thereof, a swivel lug having one endpivotably attached to said swivel bolt within said opening, and anadapter having an opening within which the other end of said swivel lugis secured.
 37. The tilter assembly of claim 36 , further including afriction pellet overlying said one end of said swivel lug within saidopening within said swivel bolt.
 38. The tilter assembly of claim 37 ,further including a threaded member received within one end of saidswivel bolt having an end in engagement with said friction pellet. 39.The tilter assembly of claim 36 , wherein said swivel bolt includes apair of spaced apart legs forming said opening therein.
 40. The tilterassembly of claim 36 , wherein said adapter includes a T-shapedextension.
 41. The tilter assembly of claim 36 , wherein said adapter isattached to said swivel lug by a thread member extending through saidadapter and into threaded engagement with said other end of said swivellug.